Trial to lower speed limit to 30kmh proposed for City of Vincent

MOTORISTS could have to travel as slowly as 30kmph in the City of Vincent’s south as part of a WA road safety trial first.

The council at its May 31 meeting passed a motion to advise Main Roads WA and the Road Safety Commission it supports the trial in an area bounded by Charles Street, Vincent Street, Beaufort Street, Walcott Street, Guildford Road, Stanley Street and Mitchell Street.

It proposed to reduce the speed limit on residential streets speed limits would be reducedfrom 50kmph to 40kmph and school zones from 40kmph to 30kmph within the trial area at a cost of at least $230,000 to install new speed signs and upgrade LED school zone signs.

The City of Vincent was prompted to start the trial by the results of a study by Monash University, which found that a reduction in travel speeds resulted in the reduction of road trauma.

The implementation of the trial hinges on the City receiving support from Main Roads WA, the Road Safety Commission and residents.

Community consultation will be held and an independent assessment will follow.

Councillor Emma Cole said the trial could help address the weekly requests from residents for speed humps in the City.

A Main Roads WA spokeswoman said a 30kmph zone could “confuse drivers.”

“Main Roads recognises the safety benefits and community amenity improvements with the introduction of a 40km/h speed limit, and the trial will provide information in this regard,” the spokeswoman said.

“Main Roads is also tentatively supportive of a 30kmph school zone trial, but not as part of this 40kmph trial in Vincent.

“This would confuse drivers and possibly compound the results of the overall 40kmph trial.”

The spokeswoman said 40kmph speed zones already existed in the Perth and Fremantle CBD’s and Northbridge.

She added that 30kmph school zones have not been trialled in WA.

Road Safety Commission and Education Department have been approached for comment.